lignite

noun

lig·​nite ˈlig-ˌnīt 

: a usually brownish black coal intermediate between peat and bituminous coal

especially : one in which the texture of the original wood is distinct

called also brown coal

lignitic

lig-ˈni-tik 

adjective

Examples of lignite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Total cost of the Hongsa power project (including the dedicated lignite mine and associated infrastructure) was about $4 billion. —Allan Marks, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

Archaeologists also found an iron torque, iron, copper alloy and lignite bracelets, an iron ring and vases with both adult and child burials. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025

The pendant was made from jet, a type of lignite gemstone or the lowest rank of coal, the archaeologist said. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025

Gallium and germanium are byproducts of other ores – zinc for gallium, lignite coal for germanium. —Scott L. Montgomery, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin lignum

First Known Use

circa 1808, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lignite

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

lignite

noun

lig·​nite ˈlig-ˌnīt 

: a usually brownish black coal between peat and bituminous coal in age and heating ability

especially : one in which the texture of the original wood is distinct